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Overview

Under the direction of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for assessing students’ academic and grade-level needs; developing and implementing individualized, standards-based instruction; managing classroom dynamics and student behavior; monitoring student progress; and providing direct supervision and guidance to assigned Assistant Teachers and Counselors.

 

The Special Education Teacher provides instruction within a psycho-educational model and uses evidence-based, creative, and individualized teaching strategies to support students with special education and alternative education needs. This position collaborates with educational, clinical, behavioral, and residential staff to promote student academic achievement, behavioral development, life skills, and overall educational success.

 

All responsibilities are performed safely, ethically, and in accordance with applicable federal and Virginia regulations, licensing and accrediting standards, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), St. Joseph’s Villa policies, and the organization’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

Responsibilities

• Maintains continuous sight and sound supervision of assigned students and ensures a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Conducts ongoing academic and educational assessments to identify students’ grade-level, instructional, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Administers and interprets standardized assessments, diagnostic instruments, and alternative assessment tools as appropriate.
• Develops and implements comprehensive lesson plans aligned with student needs, instructional objectives, Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL), and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provides individualized and differentiated instruction to students with special education and alternative education needs.
• Establishes measurable instructional objectives and uses appropriate assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress.
• Implements research-based and evidence-based instructional strategies, including appropriate use of educational technology, assistive technology, and digital learning resources.
• Continuously evaluates student mastery and modifies instructional methods, materials, pacing, and delivery strategies based on student performance and educational needs.
• Ensures appropriate instructional materials, classroom resources, adaptive equipment, and learning tools are available and accessible to students.
• Develops and maintains a structured classroom environment designed to maximize student engagement, academic achievement, independence, and learning.
• Provides instruction and support in life skills, functional skills, social skills, and independent living skills in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
• Uses approved behavior management, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and positive behavioral support techniques when addressing student behavioral needs or crisis situations.
• Implements approved physical intervention and restraint procedures when required and consistent with training, policy, and applicable regulations.
• Prepares and maintains accurate student records, including report cards, interim reports, IEP progress reports, attendance records, assessment data, and other required educational documentation.
• Monitors student attendance and promptly reports absences and attendance concerns.
• Completes required Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) documentation and assessments for applicable students.
• Participates in the development, implementation, monitoring, and revision of IEPs and other individualized educational plans.
• Collaborates with parents, guardians, school personnel, clinicians, behavioral specialists, and other professionals regarding student progress, educational needs, behavioral concerns, and educational planning.
• Communicates regularly with parents and guardians regarding student academic performance, progress, behavior, and educational goals.
• Provides parents and guardians with appropriate resources and information regarding educational strategies, behavioral interventions, and student support.
• Identifies students who may be inappropriately placed in their current educational setting and provides the Principal with recommendations and supporting documentation regarding alternative educational placements.
• Participates in discharge and transition planning for students as appropriate.
• Develops and modifies curriculum and evaluates educational materials, textbooks, instructional resources, and educational software in collaboration with the Principal and educational team.
• Plans and coordinates age-appropriate field trips and experiential learning activities that support instructional objectives and student development.
• Assists in planning and implementing therapeutic recreation, extracurricular, and enrichment activities in collaboration with other staff.
• Advises the Principal of student-related or staff-related classroom concerns that may affect safety, performance, instruction, or program effectiveness.
• Reports unsafe conditions, facility concerns, maintenance needs, or other environmental issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Promotes positive relationships with students, families, coworkers, community partners, and external service providers.
• Identifies and utilizes appropriate community resources and services to support student and family needs.
• Participates in staff meetings, educational team meetings, program activities, and other meetings necessary for effective program operations.
• Participates in after-school, evening, athletic, arts, and other extracurricular activities as assigned or voluntarily, consistent with program needs.
• Provides immediate supervision, direction, coaching, and support to assigned Assistant Teachers and Counselors.
• Models professional conduct, appropriate communication, professional appearance, and ethical behavior.
• Participates in professional development and in-service training related to special education, instructional practices, behavior management, crisis intervention, compliance, and emerging educational practices.
• May assist with the development and delivery of staff training related to instructional strategies, special education practices, classroom management, and innovations in the field.
• Evaluates classroom and educational processes and recommends improvements to promote continuous quality improvement.
• Maintains compliance with applicable federal and state education requirements, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, organizational policies, and documentation standards.
• Completes all required St. Joseph’s Villa, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting training.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to support the educational program and student needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Current and valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in at least one disability area served by the school.
• Minimum of one (1) year of classroom experience working with students with special education, behavioral, developmental, or alternative education needs.
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Experience with special education case management, documentation, progress monitoring, and educational assessments.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use educational technology, assistive technology, internet-based resources, and digital instructional tools.